Vigil held for Md. teacher injured in Boston bombings

Dozens of people gathered at a Towson church Wednesday night to pray for Boston Marathon victim and Maryland teacher Erika Brannock, her family and all of the explosion victims, including another person who was identified as having ties to Maryland.

The worship service at Trinity Episcopal Church brought together congregations from three Baltimore County churches and included songs, candles and prayers for healing and a quick recovery.

Brannock, 29, is a teacher at the church's preschool. Family said she was waiting for her mom near the marathon finish line on Monday when the explosions happened. Doctors had to remove part of Brannock's left leg because of the shrapnel damage. Her sister, Nicole Gross, suffered several broken bones.

"When we gather, pray and console one another, I think we're stronger as a community, and that then allows us to be stronger for those who are out there hurting," said the Rev. Greg Morris, of St. John's Church in Ellicott City.

"Right now we are very concerned that these people know that they are supported, that they are loved and that healing will come," said vigil attendee Patrick Kangrga.

11 News has learned that Brannock was awake and speaking Wednesday, asking to see pictures of her young students in Towson. The students at Brannock's preschool plan to dress up in Ravens gear and send the pictures and well-wishes to her in Boston.

"Morgan is my 2-year-old. She's my youngest, and she's in Erika's class. She came home the other day and said, 'Ms. Brannock is hurt.' So, our hearts just go out to Erika and her family," said parent Kelly Barnes.

"She is loving and warm and full of energy. Everyone who works with her and all of the children really like being around her. Anybody who ever asks for anything, Ms. Brannock is there to help," said co-worker Kathleen Capcara.

A support fund was set up for Brannock. To help, click here. Trinity Episcopal Church also said it is working with the Red Cross to put together a blood drive for the bombing victims.

Johns Hopkins grad identified as one of injured

Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, former Johns Hopkins University student Jessica Downes and her husband, Patrick, were also among the wounded in the bombings. The newlyweds married in Boston in August, and they were cheering on runners during the marathon Monday when the explosions occurred.

The AP cited an email sent to friends saying that Downes was in surgery Wednesday and in jeopardy of losing one of her feet. The email said her husband had surgery and is out of intensive care.

A website set up to raise money for the couple said Downes is a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is one of those treating many of the injured. To find their online donation site, visit GiveForward.com.

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After the week's events in Boston, some local Christian leaders in Baltimore organized a community prayer vigil at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation to pray for local victim Ericka Brannock and bring people together for healing and hope. Sarah Sampson reports.

Dozens of people gathered at a Towson church Wednesday night to pray for Boston Marathon victim and Maryland teacher Erika Brannock, her family and all of the explosion victims, including another person who was identified as having ties to Maryland.

A Howard County Para Olympian who won the Boston Marathon's women's wheelchair event this year is currently in London preparing for Sunday's marathon, and her mother, who was with her in Boston, told 11 News what it was like to be there for such a joyous -- and tragic -- day.